Lotus Birth Trend: New Mums Leave Babies Attached To Placenta To 'Facilitate Bonding', But Is It Safe?

Would you try it?

Mums are posting pictures from their “lotus births” on Instagram and, although the trend is not a new one, the alternative birth practice seems to be cropping up more often now women are sharing their experiences online.

A “lotus birth” refers to the practice of leaving the umbilical cord “uncut” so the baby is left attached to the placenta.

So, are there any proven benefits of lotus births and are they safe?

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Mervi Jokinen, practice and standards professional advisor at the Royal College of Midwives, said: “RCM guidance recommends delayed clamping of the umbilical cord.

“With managed delivery of the placenta this is usually one to five minutes. However in the case of a mother wanting to wait for the cord to stop pulsating, it may be longer or after the placenta is delivered.

“There is no evidence about the benefits of leaving the placenta and cord attached to the baby until it separates naturally.

“Ultimately, it is the woman’s decision but advice is required to prevent any infection developing.”